Finally, the heart must be modest and motives pure. Immodesty of dress, jewelry, and makeup teach false values to the entire society. They associate themselves with the worlds emphasis on sensuality, its focus on ego, and its blurring of sex roles. Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, making a jingling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will uncover their secret parts. Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or cost-ly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works (I Timothy 2:8-10, NKJV). When an entire society abandons Gods law, then the consequences become more obvious. . Standard. Clothing has many other uses besides adornment, such as modesty, warmth, and protection. Perfect for both guys and girls! Official Yapa238 Merch T-Shirts: http://bit.ly/YapaTees Hats: http://bit.ly/YapaHats Watches: http://bit.ly/YapaWatches Sunglasses: http://bit.ly/YapaSunglasses Ties: http://bit.ly/YapaTies Connect with Yapa238 Here! Pants are definitely not required for modesty, for they reveal the feminine outlines of leg, thigh, and hip. God does not want Christians to live in slavish conformity to worldly fashions and thus to identify with worldliness. Like women, men are not allowed to wear cosmetics or jewelry other than wedding bands and wrist watches. I get a 5 o'clock shadow at 11. (2) It enunciates the principle. . The Lord pronounced judgment upon the proud, haughty, vain women of Jerusalem who gloried in their ornamentation. This is an ethical regulation in the interests of morality. Some things have both functional and ornamental use, such as cuff links, tie clasps, tie bars, watch chains, and brooches. It still teaches a distorted value system as much as always. Modesty of womans dress is associated with becoming modesty of deportment. Today I want to take a little time and explain to you just why it is that I do not cut my hair. But if you go back to the original text the word used is the Greek word keiro. Christians should avoid outward adornment (decoration or ornamentation). He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. 7 Dress, The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, Merrill Tenney (ed.) God simply forbids us to use these things for personal adornment because of the many spiritual dangers to self and others in this present evil world. I Timothy 2:9 and I Peter 3:3 stand in direct opposition to gold, silver, and precious stones for personal ornamentation; apparently they are always excessive in appearance and cost. (6) Long hair is a shame for a man but is a womans glory. . My hope for those of you reading this article who question why Apostolic women dont cut their hair is that it helps you understand we are doing as a sign of obedience to our miraculous God. In this light Elizabeth Rice Handford, wife of an independent Baptist pastor, has asked, Why does a woman insist on wearing short skirts, tight knits, low necklines, and seem oblivious to the stress she puts on others? * Godly people in the Old Testament used jewelry. To a limited extent this is true; however, we must keep in mind these points: (1) From Old Testament to New Testament God has progressively revealed more and more of His perfect will for His people. At first, there was some nervousness and embarrassment, covered up by hesitant humor. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shone unto him? * There was little difference between male and female clothing in the Old Testament. * Ultimately, ungodly dress styles have a profound impact on society as a whole. Therefore what I have gathered from this is that if a woman cuts her hair, its a shame unto her. Here are some examples of Old Testament functional use: (1) People in ancient times used seals or signet rings to transact legal business (Genesis 41:42; Esther 8:2, 8; Haggai 2:23; Luke 15:22). And when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window (II Kings 9:30, NKJV). Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids (Proverbs 6:25, NKJV). Actually this was the signet ring or seal, and served as the personal signature of its owner, and so was not usually worn as an ornament.19 According to The Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, finger rings were used to signify rank and seal rings worn on a cord or on the hand were used to seal documents.20 It says the ring worn by the prodigal son had this same general meaning. Do not let your beauty be that out-ward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. Gods character never changes, and neither does His love for righteousness or hatred of sin. (2) Crowns, chains, and bands (KJV bracelet) were used to signify royalty or high official position (Genesis 41:42; II Samuel 1:10; Daniel 5:29). The Bible only records that she used oil of myrrh, perfume, and other preparations to purify (beautify) the skin (Esther 2:12). For example, Davis and Hartzell both have straight hair while the Zeigler women all have curly hair. (1 Timothy 3:1 f.; 12 / Titus 1:6 f.) "The overseer must be above reproach." The final passages to be considered are found in the pastoral Epistles, in three sections dealing with the qualifications of church leaders (1 Tim. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. The Bible contains a number of examples that illustrate the problems we have discussed. I happen to have very sensitive skin with heavy facial hair. Even gold itself or gold colored metal can possibly have other functional uses such as in watches, glasses, and teeth. If you have more questions about this particular practice of the Apostolic faith, please let us know! If we interpret I Peter 3:3 to refer to all hair arrangements, all wearing of gold, and all wearing of clothing, then obviously it is not an absolute prohibition. (It is no use responding that a womans curves make the difference, because this retort would concede that womens pants are immodest! * Our dress reflects what we truly are inside. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands (I Peter 3:1-5, NKJV). Apostolic Pentecostals generally discourage women from wearing any form of cosmetics, especially colored makeup. 5/bid., p. 435, quoting C. F. Keil and Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1949), III, 409. Even if I Peter 3:3 were only a prohibition on the use of certain things for adornment, it would permit functional use of clothing and gold metal but still forbid the use of gold jewelry. The New Testament affirms that effeminate men will not inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9-10). In the Old Testament, God used abundant hair to symbolize perfection, strength, glory, and separation for a holy purpose. .Certain men wore a ring on their right hand, or suspended by a cord or chain around the neck. God desires for His people to display the spirit of holiness in outward appearance. 8 For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Different cultures have different types of clothing. (3) It is a sign to angels of the Christian womans obedience to God. We emphasize simplicity and functional use for things which have a valid purpose other than ornamentation, such as hairstyles and clothes. Moderation in cost is an important scriptural concept. For example, a woman can wear a jump suit or a ski suit under a skirt. We must carefully evaluate their use if we use them at all. We reject extreme luxury and ostentation in all areas of life. What is wrong with the complexion and hair we inherited? There was no need for false modes-ty between husband and wife, for they were one flesh. He proves, citing example after example, there . INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA. .Every violation or wiping out of a woman. * What would Jesus do? (2) Even in the Old Testament God pointed to a high standard in this area (Genesis 35:4; Exodus 33:4-6) and alluded to the dangers of jewelry (Isaiah 3:16-23; Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:40). Some Apostolic Pentecostals churches allow women to wear some form of pants outside of church as long as they are specifically designed for women. We should avoid colored makeup, tattoos, and ornamental jewelry because their sole purpose is ornamentation of the body. These passages, then, reject very elaborate hair arrangements as well as the use of ornaments in the hair. Those articles of clothing which are one step away from nuditysuch as bikinis, miniskirts, shorts, and halter topsmust be considered immodest. There is no reference . 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. To some degree modesty is culturally relative. From that time forward, immodest exposure of the body has often resulted in sin. However, this verse does not say God approves of sinful or ungodly appearance, but that He does not evaluate someone by outward beauty or lack of beauty. Women are warned that to cut their hair is to bring themselves to misery and regret. Jesus taught that people could not alter the color of their hair (Matthew 5:36), yet many people today try to prove Him wrong. Through the Holy Spirit, we have power to live a holy life in a way that Old Testament saints did not. Verse 5, however, is manifestly part of the moral law: (1) God designed it to prevent certain moral evils such as blurring of sexual roles and homosexuality. The adulterous woman in Ezekiel 23:40 also allured her lovers by ornaments. Do not be conformed to this worldthis age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs (Amplified). This argument is not valid because chapter 22 contains laws against adultery (verse 22), rape (verses 23-27), and incest (verse 30). When a woman was brought before the Persian king, she was allowed access to anything she desired in order to beautify herself (Esther 2:13). Having uncut hair is a sign of submission to God, and gives them "power." This concept is tied together with a whole litany of "holiness standards" that women have to meet in order to be considered saved, and members in good standing in these churches. 3Fred Wight, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands (Chicago: Moody Press, 1953), p. 100. Here are some questions to consider in making this evaluation: *What is my motive for wearing it? We can give many specific examples. Dress, The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, p. 227. In any event, convenience is a poor excuse for violating the Word of God. Ke. Otherwise, if society condoned total nudity, Christians could walk around nude. A demon-possessed man tore the clothes off seven Jews who tried to exorcise him (Acts 19:13-17). So did Elizabeth Rice Handford in Your Clothes Say It For You, teaching that women should have long, uncut hair while men should have short hair. * Pants are made in womens styles today, so they do not violate Deuteronomy 22:5. Even if we accepted this objection, it would not permit women to wear many things that they do such as mens jeans and military fatigues. Are these laws void? Why be ashamed of what we are? The ACCA requires all male members to shave all facial hair off. While Apostolic Pentecostals' standards regarding women's attire and hair are more noticeable, they do have standards to which men must adhere as well. In fact, men wore skirts. Deuteronomy 22:5 stands as evidence that there was a significant difference. * Deuteronomy 22:5 was only given to oppose cultic transvestitism (transvestite behavior associated with pagan worship). If so, that hardly commends the practice to us today. Perfume could possibly play a small part in seduction (and should not be Ko used), but it has only a fraction of the power that im-modest dress, makeup, and ornaments have to attract attention, accentuate sensuality, and encourage lust. Even if this objection were valid, why was it detestable for a soldier to wear feminine attire? This passage tells us that if a woman refuses to wear a covering. In this chapter we address several important questions that have arisen with respect to hair. 74-75. What you wear affects your performance. .but to maintain the sanctity of that distinction of Hair arrangement also has other functions such as neatness and convenience. 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. The passages cited by Bauer's Lexicon and Moulton and Miligan's Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament indicate that "kome'" refers to uncut hair. In the Old Testament, God used abundant hair to symbolize perfection, strength, glory, and separation for a holy purpose. Perfume has always been considered part of a chaste, modest womans attire in a way that makeup has not. Per-fume helps to mask, eliminate, and replace unpleasant body odors caused by bacterial activity and perspiration. This included jewelry and cosmetics, which ancient royal courts used. Like most Pentecostals, they do not use alcohol or tobacco. So if I am living a life that speaks of opposing Gods standards for His people, what kind of Christian am I truly being? It goes on to say that a womans hair is given to her for a covering. The Bible describes the eye as the light of the body, but does not give a prominent role to the nose. http://bit.ly/PrayerReq4YapaFam////////////////////In today's doctrinal video we're covering Apostolic women's standards and Apostolic standards for women!Apostolic women's standards can generally be broken down into 4 main categories1.) First, some have understood the entire passage to refer directly to hair. When does clothing, hair arrangement, and functional jewelry become extravagant, excessively ornamental, or unreasonably expensive? Would He wear it? Like that verse, it is an absolute prohibition on elaborate hair arrangement, gold jewelry, and extravagant clothing. However, when all women in society wear slacks, the distinction between male and female blurs. Now I know that some of you think I am taking my liberty here with the meaning of shorn. . We are called to Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven. (1847; rpt. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broiled hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array (I Timothy 2:9). We would be happy to answer any questions you have. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright APOSTOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE, Scriptural Teaching on Adornment and Dress, Scriptural Teaching on Adornment and Dress | Apostolic Information Service, Secret to Church Growth by Tim Massengale, Church Growth Must be Intentional by Tim Massengale, Faith Goal Setting Only Works When You Do It By Tim Massengale, Home Bible Study Success By Tim Massengale, Relationship Evangelism by Tim Massengale, Key Elements of Church Growth by Tim Massengale. When Jacob went back to Bethel to renew his relationship with God, he disposed of all the idols and earrings belonging to his family (Genesis 35:1-7). The visual counterpart to this is not to apply colored makeup, but to wash and cleanse the skin, using water, soap, oil, and other cleansing preparations. Many wore ornamental crowns and headdresses. In most cases, women must wear full length skirts or dresses at all times. And that she has power on her head because of the angels. This is a respectable position as demonstrated by a footnote in the New International Version of the Bible, which offers the following alternative translation of verses 4-7: Every man who prays or prophesies with long hair dishonors his head. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. unmarried, she should seek to attract those interested in true beauty rather than in false, transient trappings. Wight stated, As a rule, Jewish men did not indulge in extravagance of dress, and there was little ornamentation among them. William Gesenius, Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament Scriptures, Samuel Tregelles (trans.) They usually don't allow women to wear jewelry, though most make exceptions for simple wedding bands and wrist watches. . Does she like the gleam of desire she sees in a mans eyes?8. We should seek to present ourselves as best we can using natural rather than artificial methods. 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? Theologians have interpreted I Corinthians 11:1-16 in one of two ways. The key to interpreting this chapter is to realize that Christs death abolished the ceremonial law, but not the moral law (Colossians 2:16-17); Gods moral law stands forever. Men and women wore different types of robes and headgear, and women wore veils. As you most likely know because it is so obvious when you spot us in crowds, we have long hair. . As one reference states, The veil was the distinctive female wearing apparel. Most of these objections can be found in Woodrow. They make a woman feel powerful because she can at-tract lustful attention. However, no major translation has adopted this reading. If these do not apply, why should the prohibition of verse 5? -Natalie . . They sit, recline, and prop their legs up in masculine ways. In Gideons day, Ishmaelites and Midianites were distinguished from Israelites by their use of earrings and other jewelry (Judges 8:24-27). .How you dress does affect how you feel! They received jewels of silver and gold from the Egyptians (Exodus 11:2). They make a woman proud of her own appearance. Rather, He wants Christians to be identified clearly as such even in outward appearance. .The plaiting of the hair was a usual feature of Jewish womens hairstyle, and in the more elaborate types the plaits were fastened with ribbons and bows. . Some minor aspects of ornamentation are allowable since they do not highlight sexuality (as makeup does) or extravagance (as jewelry does), are not condemned by Scripture (as both makeup and jewelry are), and are considered standard attire. So no matter how much is cut it is as if she is shaven. (e) a soldier. Day 10: Apostolic Beliefs: Our Crowning Glory! Spence and Exell (eds. The Bible also shows that certain types of clothing can be particularly associated with adulterous behavior. The Bible addresses areas of lifestyle such as immodesty of dress, facial makeup, ornamental jewelry, women cutting their hair, and men having long hair (I Timothy 2:9-10; I Peter 3:1-5; I Corinthians 11:1-16). As Chapter 8 will note, many women of the time tucked in their tunics above the knee for convenience in certain activities, and the early church fathers considered this immodest. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1962), p. 1448. * Immodest clothing, jewelry, and makeup appeal to the lust of the eyes, which is the second major area of worldliness. 1Wight, p. 100. . Does Paul teach that we can achieve moral perfection in this life? We become what we think upon and spend time upon. We have seen many Old Testament passages that associate jewelry and especially makeup with evil. The Christian must discipline the flesh, subdue its desires, and turn the spotlight away from it. .Such tendencies to ostentatious adornment must be resisted by Christian women, and the same applies to the use of jewelry and costly clothing. It teaches against such sins as pride, selfishness, lust, and malice. These differences were significant enough for one to ascertain a persons gender from far away, as the story of Rebekah and Isaac indicates (Genesis 24:64-65). This teaching is based on 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, where the apostle Paul provides instruction on proper conduct in the church. If you are looking for even more research into this belief, I highly recommend checking out Capital Community Church Pastor Raymond Woodwards article Because We Are His. The Israelites melted down earrings and made a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32:2-4). The Bible contains strong warnings about the lust of the eyes, but nowhere mentions the lust of the nose. The demons in the maniac of Gadara caused him to tear his clothes off, but when Jesus cast the demons out the man began to wear clothes (Luke 8:26-36). (6) When godly people used jewelry, there was usually an important functional value other than adornment. In addition, we should avoid low necklines, sleeveless dresses or shirts, very tight clothes, very thin clothes, and slacks on women because they immodestly reveal the feminine contours of upper leg, thigh, and hip. . (See NKJV, NIV.) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright APOSTOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE, Secret to Church Growth by Tim Massengale, Church Growth Must be Intentional by Tim Massengale, Faith Goal Setting Only Works When You Do It By Tim Massengale, Home Bible Study Success By Tim Massengale, Relationship Evangelism by Tim Massengale, Key Elements of Church Growth by Tim Massengale. God compared His unfaithful people to an adulteress who adorns herself for her lovers. What is wrong with the beauty that emanates from within? This is precisely the development God sought to pre-vent when He instituted Deuteronomy 22:5. 2The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Charles Pfeiffer and Everett Harrison (eds.) In this context, we note that God hates a proud look, not only a proud spirit (Proverbs 6:16-17). They are generally expected to wear full length pants and to keep their hair cut noticeably short. If Christians follow worldly fashions, they will often identify themselves with ungodliness. * The Christian is to be content with the way God has made him and the position in which he finds himself. The spirit of Esther stands in contrast to this. Among the Hebrews neither sex was permitted by Mosaic law to wear the same form of clothing as was used by the other (Deuteronomy 22:5). This is another reason why we do not wear jewelry. One possible exception might be wedding rings, particularly simple wedding bands. The primary reason Christian women choose to wear head coverings during worship is to adhere to the Holy Tradition of the Church. This is a devious interpretation, for it adds words to the Bible, twisting them to mean the opposite of what they literally say. (b) opp. Apostolic Pentecostals cite 1 Corinthians 11:14 to teach that nature itself teaches that men should not wear their hair long. It means she arranged her hair elaborately and apparently put ornaments on her head or in her hair. As a sign of their humility, repentance, and consecration , God ordered them to take off these badges of vanity, pride, and lust. The Teaching of Paul: Is Divorce Compatible with Church Office? Rings are undoubtedly a form of jewelry. . And you washed yourself for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments (Ezekiel 23:40, NKJV). God was concerned about modesty of dress in a day when even exposing the upper leg was considered immodest. When Adam and Eve sinned they became aware of their nakedness and sought to cover themselves with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. ////////////////////* Don't forget to pick up some AWESOME Yapa Apparel! It also tells us that to be shaven (to have cut hair) is a shame unto her. A sign posted in an Orthodox Jewish district of Jerusalem provides an interesting definition of modesty or womens dress: Passage permitted only to women dressed modestly! * The Old Testament descriptions of wicked women who wore makeup also describe those women doing accept able things such as washing with water and wearing colored clothing. Many acceptable things can be done by an evil person or can become evil only because of an evil motive. Who says a woman is dull and drab unless she wears makeup and jewelry? Jewelry, makeup, and very expensive clothing are poor investments. A passage that mentions hair length in the New Testament is 1 Corinthians 11:3-15. * I Timothy 2:9 uses an idiomatic expression, which does not mean to avoid all outward adorning, but only to emphasize inward adorning more. Under this view Paul meant, Do not adorn yourselves on the outside only, but adorn yourselves inwardly also. However, no major version translates the passage in this way. Women who wear immodest clothing and adorn themselves sensually are actually placing temptation before men. Though you clothe yourself with crimson, Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; Your lovers will despise you; They will seek your life (Jeremiah 4:30, NKJV). Ralph Woodrow, Womens Adornment: What Does the Bible Really Say? . You have entered an incorrect email address! Most of the listed items can be used only for ornamentation and so always come under condemnation for their association with pride and vanity. They give honor to the flesh, which actually contains no good thing (Romans 7:18), instead of giving honor to things of true value, such as good works and beauty of spirit, which can only come by Gods grace. Compared to vision, smell plays a very minor part in sensory precept ion and in stimulation of thought life. It is as though she has shaven (cut) her hair. The first impression, the silhouette, the view from a distance, the overall picture is still the same. Women in the Apostolic Pentecostal Church wear long dresses and do not cut their hair, according to Synan. Many women do not fully realize how visually oriented the male is. While Apostolic Pentecostals' standards regarding women's attire and hair are more noticeable, they do have standards to which men must adhere as well. Facial hair is a litmus test of spirituality; a litmus test that Jesus would have failed. In fact, Satan incorporated it as part of pagan worship because he knew it would violate Gods law, contradict the natural order, and cause problems for society. The answer may vary somewhat depending on culture, society, station in life, and occasion.
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